ALBANY — President Obama today greeted Gov. Paterson as “a wonderful man,” neglecting to mention his political track record a day after a report emerged that the White House had told the governor not to run for office next year.

Obama was on Paterson’s turf to visit Hudson Valley Community College and give a speech on the economy.

After mentioning Paterson, Obama hesitated for a brief second before introducing Attorney General Andrew Cuomo as, “Your shy and retiring attorney general.”

“Andrew’s doing great work enforcing the laws that need to be enforced,” added Obama.

Cuomo, who polls show would beat Paterson in a primary race for governor next year, responded by giving him a thumbs up.

The speech came as a group of lawmakers that included Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) — acting at Obama’s behest — asked New York’s first black governor to step aside because of fears he’ll hurt the Democrats’ chances next year and encourage the likes of Rudy Giuliani to run.

Before the speech this morning, Paterson was the first person to greet Obama as he walked off Air Force One; it was the first time the two have shaken hands since the it became known that the president wanted Paterson to walked away from the 2010 race.

At one point, Obama leaned over to make a brief comment to Paterson. It is not known what Obama said to Paterson.

Paterson has refused to abide by Obama’s plea to step aside.

“I have said time and time again that I am running for governor next year,” he said on Sunday during an appearance in Harlem.

The political maneuvering, however, has opened the door to gubernatorial fundraising and politicking by Cuomo.

In his speech, Obama steered away from the controversy. Instead, he talked about helping to rebuild the upstate, and national, economy.

“Communities like this one were once the heart of America’s manufacturing strength.” said Obama. “But over the last few decades, you’ve borne the brunt of a changing economy which has seen many manufacturing plants close in the face of global competition,” he said.

Obama added, “So while all of America has been gripped by the current economic crisis, folks in Troy and upstate New York have been dealing with what amounts to a permanent recession for years: an economic downturn that has driven more and more young people from their hometowns.”